Quick Update

Many of you have been writing over the past few months to ask about the site’s lack of posts. Part of the reason is that my (non-notebook-related) job is keeping me very, very busy at the moment. But a larger reason is that I honestly haven’t seen any notebooks recently that really intrigue me. I have a few lying around that have yet to be reviewed, but I’ve been avoiding this because they’re all in the “so-so” to “pretty useless” range. I’d rather just not review them instead of spending a whole entry trashing them.

I hope to post some updates soon on how a few choice notebooks have held up to wear and tear. And as soon as a decent notebook comes along, I’ll review it in a heartbeat. For those of you who were worried, Black Cover’s not going anywhere – we’re just waiting for something good to come our way!

I’m very glad to see that Black Cover has not ceased entirely! If I see any really good notebooks, I’ll let you know. I hope that others do the same, so we can see some great new reviews on here (once you’re not quite so busy with your real job, I mean.)

Remember that what might be so-so or useless to you might make someone else really happy. That’s why I try and review everything with an open mind, but still mentioning whether or not something serves my needs.

…And all that notwithstanding, the Italian makers of the Stifflexible f***** up the remake of that particular product (with “design improvements”), and two Moleskine ripoffs have done rather well. I can’t speak for the Piccadilly, but the Guildhall notebook is superior to, and cheaper than (to UK buyers – £5.70, inc. postage now), the Moleskine. As far as I’m concerned, the problem is solved.

I would love to hear how The Allen’s Journal is holding up. I’m just absolutely fanantical about finding a “blank bible” out there. I love what I saw and read in your review but they are still not available as of March ’09 and I cannot find anyone selling any (just one would do for now) anywhere else online.
Hurry, hurry !!!

I ordered the black version of the full sized Midori traveler’s notebook, and as you mentioned in your review, I’m sure it’s not for everyone( and may not even fit in the category of “perfect little black notebook”). however, I have had great success with it so far and wanted to mention that as of last week, Midori added a passport size version of the traveler’s notebook to their product line. I don’t have the exact specifications, but what I do know is that it will be the same width as the original traveler’s notebook(4.5″) I’m not sure of the exact height.

I placed my order for the passport size traveler’s notebook on the day before it was released(March 18). Their international orders representative promised me that they should be shipping out within the next week or so.

because I recently became a quadriplegic with no function in my hands/fingers, I desperately needed a refillable notebook which I could work on, and customize by myself. it also needed to be able to lay completely flat against my desk( or in my lap). my search led me to your reviews. the traveler’s notebook is a product that has allowed me to be able to journal and write all throughout the day once again. I look forward to receiving mine.

Recently came across LEUCHTTURM1917 series at a bookstore. My partner purchased one and has been happy with it. Similar form factor as the pocket sized Moleskine, but maybe a tad larger. The paper quality is dramatically superior to that of the Moleskine, and the build seems sturdy even if it’s probably too robust for pocket carry. It really seemed much better than they Moleskine’s I’ve encountered.

Your blog was the blog to launch a thousand pens. After I discovered it- via lifehacker- it opened the huge notebook, pens and pencils blog world, which I did not know existed. Needless to say my collection has expanded greatly because of you. My banking account has contracted a little because of you.
You are the first one, I think, and we miss you!

Hello, I found this site, and confess I am a fan.
Also…very jelous you get sent free samples.
I thought about setting up a blog that does this kind of thig JUST for the samples…but what do you do with them all??
You must have a GAZILLION notebooks, and the poor little high-schooler has one, over priced, saved for moleskine (which is actually shared).

Love the site and I wish you would review some more notebooks: are there really no more out there?
Following your review of the Alwych, I have been using it daily and I would love to know what you think of it now you have been using it for a while. Personally i love it, although the spine did break a bit too easily!

Walmart is carrying small, ruled, leather notebooks for under $6 by Mead. They come in brown and black leather. With storage pocket, bungee closure, and ribbon. The lines are a brown in both the black and brown leather books. I bought the brown one. Very nice.

Re: Leuchtturm 1917–got one in Munich for 19.50 euros. The separable pages at the back probably make sense for some people, but they tend to waggle with use, seeking that separation. Also, the body broke away from the back cover when I unwrapped it. I’ve been using journals for 15 years (not always black cover) and this has never happened with others even after months of pretty hard use. Bought another for somewhat less–and the elastic tore out, something that has yet to happen with the 6 Moleskine I’ve had, though to be fair I was travelling and perhaps harder than usual on the pocket. The weird thing is that just this month I saw the same Leuchtturm 1917 in an independent bookstore in Austin priced at $13; less than half the Euro price, though not marked as discounted. What is very cool about the Leuchtturm is that the pages are numbered, like a lab notebook.